About Us

Historical

On March 22, 1977 the Wisconsin Board of Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education (WBVTAE); since renamed the Wisconsin Technical College System Board (WTCSB) prepared a plan for the WTCS to provide fire service education and training throughout the state.

On April 26, 1977, the Acting Governor of Wisconsin designated the WTCSB as the agency authorized to establish, coordinate and supervise fire service education and training in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Statutes 38.04(9) and 38.12(9) provide for a training program in fire prevention and protection to be made available to members of volunteer and paid fire departments maintained by cities, villages and towns. The program is supported by a funding source comprised of 2 percent of all fire insurance premiums underwritten in the state, and essentially provides free training for members of Wisconsin fire departments.

While much of the training and education is delivered on-site in all 16 technical college districts, performance-based live fire training is almost exclusively relegated to 15 Regional Fire Training Centers strategically located in selected WTCS districts.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Wisconsin Fire Service Education Office is to provide the state’s fire service personnel with:

  • A comprehensive education and training program in fire prevention and protection;
  • Certification according to standards established by the National Fire Protection Association

Vision Statement

The Wisconsin Fire Service Education Office, through collaborative partnerships, strives to advance fire training and education that meets or exceeds national standards.

We will carry this vision out by:

  • Providing safe and effective training and education
  • Employing customer service strategies that reflect a passion for fire service training while collaborating with affected stakeholders
  • Delivering training, education, related certification and life-long learning opportunities that maximize resources and reflect innovation and change
  • Promoting current standards and responding to educational issues through creative leadership
  • Influencing future standards